What Kind Of Synthetic do you use?

[JohnyGT]

Just wondering, and this might be a good reference of choosing oil.

I use Castrol Syntec 5W20.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Amsoil 5W-30 in the Speed3.
Castrol Syntech 5W-20 in the MZ3.

[aris]

I have been using RP but i am go to swtich next oil change to either AMSOIL or CASTROL SYNTEC

[Sparcas]

I've been using Castrol Syntec up to 72K

[kevcol74]

Mazda Dealer Semi-Synthetic.... so "Etc" :chuckle

[JadeButterfly]

haven't had my first oil change yet, but maybe its good to also add in your reply where you purchase the oil from? that would also be a good reference.

[Gizzmo_jr]

Amsoil 5w-20 since 3000km.

[dentinger]

quaker state 5w20 synthetic since day 1

[condor888000]

RP 5W20 for last two changes. Debating if I want to stick with 5W20 or try something else for better wear protection...

[Kevin@nextmod]

Motul 8100 for all seasons and motul 300V for late june to late july

[Darkfrosty7]

Castrol Syntec all the way

[Houndskull]

RP but thinking bout trying castrol syntec. i tried motul from the mazda dealership and didnt like how the car ran after RP was way smoother. anybody felt the difference from RP to castrol? any difference?

[Mazda3X2]

Mazdaspeed 3 - Royal Purple 5W30

I like the way the RP is doing, it hasn't picked up the same very strong solvent smell that the Amsoil did. I may try the German Castrol 0W30 this winter. Used that in my Supra and it worked great.

MZ3 - Pennzoil Platinum 5W20

Going to stick with this oil in here.

[5_Alive]

I'm running Mobil-1 5W-30 and no problems. However, I'll be switching to Elf-Total Synthetic 5W-30 come my next oil change. Can't go wrong for the price I'm picking it up for, either. Wont hurt to try it out..

[phoenixrage]

I'm using ENEOS right now, don't really notice much of a difference.. LOL

[ThucP]

Royal Purple 5W20

[Flagrum_3]

Went from Mobil1 to Royal Purple to Mobil1~all 5w-20, now trying the German Castrol 0W-30.

_3

[notoriousb]

Doesn't Castrol use group III oil for their base stock? Their synthetic is not even real synthetic -- it is just really really refined dino oil. This goes for oils like penzoil, valvoline and quaker state.

Only Amsoil (not xl series) and Mobil 1 use group IV PAO base stock.

Stick with either those two.

I use amsoil.

[SwooshICE]

Doesn't Castrol use group III oil for their base stock? Their synthetic is not even real synthetic -- it is just really really refined dino oil. This goes for oils like penzoil, valvoline and quaker state.

Only Amsoil (not xl series) and Mobil 1 use group IV PAO base stock.

Stick with either those two.

I use amsoil.

I think mobil 1 is also group III now.

[cinder88]

I use what ever syn is on sale at CT - because almost all syn's are hydrocracked now, so it reallhy does not matter....:)

[FLIPDADY]

Mazda 5W20 for my ride.

[Mazda3X2]

Doesn't Castrol use group III oil for their base stock? Their synthetic is not even real synthetic -- it is just really really refined dino oil. This goes for oils like penzoil, valvoline and quaker state.

Only Amsoil (not xl series) and Mobil 1 use group IV PAO base stock.

Stick with either those two.

I use amsoil.

German made Castrol (GC) 0W30 is a Grp IV synthetic as is Amsoil and Royal Purple. If you read up on it you will find the GC has an excellent reputation and track record as far as UOA's are concerned.

Most if not all Mobile 1 is a Grp III now.

Any Grp III is still a fine choice for most situations and conditions. Out of these the PP has possibly the largest fan base. Mobile 1 is just a marketing monster.:)

[Mty Mous]

I'm due for my first Oil change (well not really cause I'm still at 5K) and was thinking I'd like to start off with Castrol (GC) but have no idea how to tell the difference between the regular and German ones.

Anybody got a pic? Or tell me what the tell tale signs are? I think someone mentioned that it can be found in CanadianTire but in the single 1quart bottles ... correct?

[Krisekca]

Its a black bottle 0w30 and at the back it says Made In Germany ...

[DreamM3]

Its a black bottle 0w30 and at the back it says Made In Germany ...

That would be Valvoline.

I use Mobil 1 5W-20 sythetic.

[Flagrum_3]

I'm due for my first Oil change (well not really cause I'm still at 5K) and was thinking I'd like to start off with Castrol (GC) but have no idea how to tell the difference between the regular and German ones.

Anybody got a pic? Or tell me what the tell tale signs are? I think someone mentioned that it can be found in CanadianTire but in the single 1quart bottles ... correct?

Like previously mentioned, it's in a Black bottle with sae 0w-30 in red on the front and Made in Germany on the back.They sell them only in 1 litre bottles @ $9.95, which is not bad as I notice other synthetics are only a couple of bucks cheaper now.


_3

[Mazda3X2]

That would be Valvoline.?

Here's a couple pics.
http://andy.hedin.googlepages.com/GC_M06152_Front.jpg
http://andy.hedin.googlepages.com/GC_M06152_Rear.jpg

[joghia]

Motul Synthetic 5W30 in my MSP, from DWM!

[She_Prime]

As of today, my oil is going from conventional to synthetic. Going with Mobil 1 5W20 for my MZ3

[JohnyGT]

As of today, my oil is going from conventional to synthetic. Going with Mobil 1 5W20 for my MZ3

Good choice! U will see the difference :)

[Cudgel]

I'm planning on switching to Castrol Syntech soon.

[Harbour Rat]

Petro-Canada Supreme Synthetic 5W30

[Mty Mous]

Thanks for the info on recognizing the German Castrol. :)

One more question, is it a good idea to pickup 5L and take it to a Mazda Dealership to get the oil changed or should I just buy the Mazda Oil Filters and just take it somewhere else to get the oil changed?

I normally change my own oil (this way I know its done right), but I'm thinking in order to keep the warranty valid, I'll need proof aka receipts of getting oil changed by somewhere .... right?

[aris]

Thanks for the info on recognizing the German Castrol. :)

One more question, is it a good idea to pickup 5L and take it to a Mazda Dealership to get the oil changed or should I just buy the Mazda Oil Filters and just take it somewhere else to get the oil changed?

I normally change my own oil (this way I know its done right), but I'm thinking in order to keep the warranty valid, I'll need proof aka receipts of getting oil changed by somewhere .... right?

You can take the oil to mazda dealer and have them change it.

[3GFX]

SYNTEC FTW!

Use it in the dirt bike too.

[aris]

Wow only 5 people using Amsoil ...i thought their would have been more

[Ogata]

Wow only 5 people using Amsoil ...i thought their would have been more

I'm thinking about switching to Amsoil...RP so far has been serving me well but after that article you find hmmmmm. :complain

[aris]

I'm thinking about switching to Amsoil...RP so far has been serving me well but after that article you find hmmmmm. :complain

I am thinking of going to Amsoil too..but it's a pain in the ass to get..

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

I am thinking of going to Amsoil too..but it's a pain in the ass to get..

Just go to 5W-30 and then you can get it at Crappy Tire and don't have to deal with going through an Amsoil supplier (although they are awesome to deal with). You can run 5W-30 in the regular MZ3 and it won't do any harm.

[notoriousb]

They sell amsoil at DL Action on torbram and derry. Cheap too.

[p-o-g-i]

I use whatever the dealership gives....??????

All of my oil changes have been done at a Mazda dealership.

I just make the appt... bring the car in.... give them the keys.... let them go to work.

[aris]

I use whatever the dealership gives....??????

All of my oil changes have been done at a Mazda dealership.

I just make the appt... bring the car in.... give them the keys.... let them go to work.

They use conventional oil


The dealer used to sue semi synthetic oil but swtiched to conventional oil with even changing their price:flaming

[mazdabetty]

Wow this thread sure swayed me!!!! I'm thinkin I'll be making a switch to Mobil 1 5w-20 as well.

BUT if I don't feel a difference... *shakes fist*

[p-o-g-i]

They use conventional oil


The dealer used to sue semi synthetic oil but swtiched to conventional oil with even changing their price:flaming

Thanks dude for the heads up...

[aris]

Thanks dude for the heads up...

no problem...:bana2

[Mty Mous]

Well I finally went Synthetic!! Amsoil 0W20 Full Synthetic ... but man oh man ... took the oil and went to MOT this afternoon. Was told it'll be $19.95 if I bring my oil, so I figured that's reasonable.
Well, after the oil change the service rep says that'll be $34.xx +tax ... total of $39.xx. :whoa
Why couldn't they say it'd be $34.xx + taxes (as long as I bring my oil) to begin with?

Apparently the labour was $19.95 + $10.xx for filter and the rest for disposal and taxes.

Think I'm gonna take it to my regular shop next time.
As long as I keep my receipts proving I changed my oil during the recommended intervals, I think I should be okay.

Now its time to top the tank up and see if there's any difference in mileage for the next 4 tanks (on average).

[Flagrum_3]

Well I finally went Synthetic!! Amsoil 0W20 Full Synthetic ... but man oh man ... took the oil and went to MOT this afternoon. Was told it'll be $19.95 if I bring my oil, so I figured that's reasonable.
Well, after the oil change the service rep says that'll be $34.xx +tax ... total of $39.xx. :whoa
Why couldn't they say it'd be $34.xx + taxes (as long as I bring my oil) to begin with?

Apparently the labour was $19.95 + $10.xx for filter and the rest for disposal and taxes.

Think I'm gonna take it to my regular shop next time.
As long as I keep my receipts proving I changed my oil during the recommended intervals, I think I should be okay.

Now its time to top the tank up and see if there's any difference in mileage for the next 4 tanks (on average).

$34 bucks is not bad, just consider you'll still need to buy the filter if you take it somewhere else!!.Also if you do take it elsewhere, make sure they are aware of the filter housing problem, and that they must torque it to a specific amount.


_3

[Flagrum_3]

Wow this thread sure swayed me!!!! I'm thinkin I'll be making a switch to Mobil 1 5w-20 as well.

BUT if I don't feel a difference... *shakes fist*

Chances are most people would not 'feel' any difference! The point to using synthetic oil is basically; your offering the "Best Protection" for your engine internals, nothing else!.....If anything, you might feel a smoother idle and a very slight improvement in fuel economy....but no promises! :)


_3

[She_Prime]

Wow this thread sure swayed me!!!! I'm thinkin I'll be making a switch to Mobil 1 5w-20 as well.

BUT if I don't feel a difference... *shakes fist*

I'm running Mobil 1 5W20 in my car since my last oil change (about 1000km now) and I'm getting exactly what Flagrum described.

My fuel economy is not improving that much but I do notice much quieter idling and much smoother "take-off".

I don't regret the decision at all! :bana2

[azn_outlaw]

my preference is good ol regular oil

But if anything, for the price, what I have read is better then Mobil1 and cost wise is not too much more then Mobil one, plus you get Motul and Amsoil quality at an affordable price

I would go with ELF Synthetic Motor Oil....

[notoriousb]

Well I finally went Synthetic!! Amsoil 0W20 Full Synthetic ... but man oh man ... took the oil and went to MOT this afternoon. Was told it'll be $19.95 if I bring my oil, so I figured that's reasonable.
Well, after the oil change the service rep says that'll be $34.xx +tax ... total of $39.xx. :whoa
Why couldn't they say it'd be $34.xx + taxes (as long as I bring my oil) to begin with?

Apparently the labour was $19.95 + $10.xx for filter and the rest for disposal and taxes.

Think I'm gonna take it to my regular shop next time.
As long as I keep my receipts proving I changed my oil during the recommended intervals, I think I should be okay.

Now its time to top the tank up and see if there's any difference in mileage for the next 4 tanks (on average).

If you use amsoil (not xl) with a regular filter, note that you can't do the extended drain intervals... Either get the spin on conversion and buy the amsoil filter, and do the extended drain interval to 10 000 miles (not km) , or the regular 5000 mile drain with the WIX cartridge filter, or 3000 miles if its an oem filter.

[STeeLy]

RP 5W20... absolutely no problems... at all.

[Mty Mous]

If you use amsoil (not xl) with a regular filter, note that you can't do the extended drain intervals... Either get the spin on conversion and buy the amsoil filter, and do the extended drain interval to 10 000 miles (not km) , or the regular 5000 mile drain with the WIX cartridge filter, or 3000 miles if its an oem filter.

Actually I plan to stick with the OEM oil filter and stick with the 8K kms intervals until the warranty is done, I know it'll be a waste of money cause the oil would probably only be through half its life when I drain it, but I don't wanna risk running extended intervals and give Mazda a chance to blame that if by chance something goes wrong down the road.

I also plan to send samples in for analysis eveytime I change the oil, so I stay on top of what's going on inside the engine .... as soon as the warranty is over I'll be switching filters and using the oil to its true potential, also most likely add boost if I'm satisfied with the readings from all the oil tests along the way.

But for now, I'm planning on swapping out the tranny fluid to Amsoil, but I think I'll wait till Autum to do that.

Also wanna see how the OEM coolant behaves upto the midway point this summer using my ScanguageII ... then decide if I wanna flush it out for the Amsoil coolant as well.

[philipfreire]

Mous - where do you send in samples of oil too? How do you get your oil checked out to see how your engine is doing?

Insight? :)

[Mty Mous]

My Oil analysis would start with my NEXT oil change ... sadly that's a whole 8K away. :( As for where I'm gonna send it, well, I've never done it, but I think Amsoil will tell me to use these guys http://www.oaitesting.com ... they're located in the states, I figure you buy the sample package from either them or Amsoil, then mail it to them once you're ready. They're suppose to send the report back to you detailing traces of everything they find in the oil sample you provided. Atleast that's how i think it works.

Hopefully I remember this thread when I'm due for my next oil change, and if so, I'll update with the cost and location to where the oil is sent, as well as the results of my oil sample.

-Thuwa

Ps. Just noticed that they have a Canadian test facility in Edmonton AB.

[Krisekca]

There is local place in Burlington/Oakville you can get UOA done there...
Can't remember name ..

I will update post as soon I will find out

[Mty Mous]

That'd be awesome!! Please let us know when you find the info. :)

[Extreme Lubricants]

:bana2 Motul all the way~

[MazdaGirl]

Kinda on topic and off.

Should I stick with Synthetic oil changes or can I just do regular oil changes more often?

If anyone can advise?!?

[aris]

Kinda on topic and off.

Should I stick with Synthetic oil changes or can I just do regular oil changes more often?

If anyone can advise?!?

If you switch to synthetic oil then you should keep using it..and not go back and forth.

If you car is still under warranty then you should change it at every 8,000km or 4 months regardless on what kind of oil you use..this way if something were to happen to your car they are not going to give you a hard time for warranty work.

For example my car is still under warranty and i use synthetic oil but i still change it every 4 months or 8,000km..but once my car is off warranty i will extend my oil changes to 12,000km or 6 months

Hope this helps ya:bana

[MazdaGirl]

Mines off warranty now...I recently did a regular oil change. Is that still good? or should I stick to getting Synthetic?

[sunkist4338]

what are the benefits of synthetic oil?

[mazdabetty]

Mines off warranty now...I recently did a regular oil change. Is that still good? or should I stick to getting Synthetic?

Here's my take on it... depending on the year of your car (I'm assuming yours is an 07 or older as it's "off warranty" now) I would say stick with what you've been doing for the last x-amount of years...

I was considering switching to synthetic a few weeks ago, and when it finally came down to me standing in wal-mart trying to decide which to buy, I called my dad (who has been a mechanic for 45+ years) and asked his opinion, and he really put it into perspective for me... first he laughed at me... hahahaha, and proceeded to tell me it's only a mazda3 and not a porsche. He did say that synthetic is obviously going to be better, and easier/smoother on things, but when it comes down to it mine is an 05 and has been running just fine on the regular stuff. He said there's really not much of a difference between using synthetic and changing conventional oil every 5000k. In the end, I'm saving a lot of $$ and I can take comfort in knowing that I'm gonna have clean oil every 5000k. My pops is THE car guy, and even he doesn't use synthetic in his new truck. Again not saying he bashed it, he just pointed out that in my situation with an older car that I might be selling in a couple of years, it might be pointless, and that it's more practical for a newer car to start from scratch, or a speed3/higher end car.

Just my opinion, all you hardcore synthetic users noooo flamin!!! :chuckle

[aris]

Mines off warranty now...I recently did a regular oil change. Is that still good? or should I stick to getting Synthetic?

It's up to you if you want to switch to synthetic...when i had my truck i swithced to synthetic oil at 80,000km...and after that i changed the oil once a year in it (never drove it in winter)

The thing is if you switch to synthetic you don't have to change it as often...and this why i like synthetic better...my brother is a desial mechanic and his truck has almost 200,000km and he only use conventional oil and his truck runs the same as the day he bought it.

So realy it's up to you if you want to switch to synthetic...

[wtom]

RP 5W20 since early 2007 if not late 2006. Prior to that, Mobil1 0W20 since second oil change IIRC.

[Flagrum_3]

what are the benefits of synthetic oil?

'Better all around protection for your engine'.Especially at extreme temperatures!!...Example; During-30C starts, synthetic oils flow and pump far superior to conventional oil, allowing oil up to the 'top-end' of the engine much quicker, therefore prolonging it's life.At high temps synthetics offer superior shear (wear) protection and are more stable with less chance of deterioration and gumming, this allows for longer oil change intervals...which will save money in the longrun.

Alot comes down to what your plans are for the vehicle, if your only keeping the car a few years then stick to regular oil.If you plan on keeping the vehicle long term then IMO synthetic is a must.


_3

[OILm.ca]

Guess :)

[aris]

Amsoil next oil change..just ordered a case of 5w20 from krisekca

[OILm.ca]

Amsoil next oil change..just ordered a case of 5w20 from krisekca

Thats right :) Order was shipped .. You should have it soon :)
Enjoy .. if you will be anywhere near Hamilton please stop by.
I will get you some Amsoil gifts - free Oil Filter ..

[aris]

Thats right :) Order was shipped .. You should have it soon :)
Enjoy .. if you will be anywhere near Hamilton please stop by.
I will get you some Amsoil gifts - free Oil Filter ..

I like free stuff:chuckle


but i don't think i will be in Hamilton any time soon:bang

[OILm.ca]

Expect email from me soon :) We will work out something ..

[aris]

Expect email from me soon :) We will work out something ..

:bana2

[solo.]

Amsoil SSO and GC FTW!

[aris]

I don't know if the AMSOIL played a roll or not but i got 41mpg off this tank of fuel:bana

*that's the best i ever got*

[OILm.ca]

I don't know if the AMSOIL played a roll or not but i got 41mpg off this tank of fuel:bana

*that's the best i ever got*


Well my millage improved too long time agoo when I switched to Amsoil ...
Didn't want to post it because everyone would think its biased anyway...

Enjoy your oil :)

[essaarcee]

Called the dealer to enquire about the Oil change. They said they use the Petron Canada semi-syn one. Whn i asked about synthetic, he mentioned that since mine is 2010, syn is not recomended..as manufacturer suggests to go with the regular stuff till broken in. He said break-in is 15000kms!!!!!

Is he talking crap?

[philipfreire]

I use canola oil since new. 28000km and she still purrs like the day i picked her up. Its cheap as hell and you can find it at any local grocery market.

[Sales 101]

Castrol 5w20 since new. 280k. Regular on time changes is the key to any happy engine!

[stevenma188]

I use canola oil since new. 28000km and she still purrs like the day i picked her up. Its cheap as hell and you can find it at any local grocery market.

AWESOME:chuckle I always enjoy the smell of french fries when I drive....

[RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY]

Anybody tried baby-oil? Not from actual babies, but the Johnson & Johnson stuff. Your exhaust would smell like babies... not real babies, but the way a baby would smell if it had baby oil on it.

[philipfreire]

AWESOME:chuckle I always enjoy the smell of french fries when I drive....

lol.. or deep fried chicken. whichever you prefer :P

All jokes aside, I use Mobil 1 5w-20 since first oil change at 3000k

[stevenma188]

Ya, when I first got my car used, I changed the oil immediately to Castrol conventional, and switched to Castrol Syntec since.

[michaelm]

I switched to castrol synthetic 5w-20 @ 5,000km. At 18,000km, I switched to mobil-1 synthetic 5-20. I have stacks of 5 litre jugs that my dad's friend hooked me up with :D

[mazda lover]

[QUOTE=Mty Mous;424319]Thanks for the info on recognizing the German Castrol. :)

One more question, is it a good idea to pickup 5L and take it to a Mazda Dealership to get the oil changed or should I just buy the Mazda Oil Filters and just take it somewhere else to get the oil changed?


Quote
Make sure the dealer or a regular shop use the oil you give them, if they see the oil you give them is expensive syn oil they might keep it for themselves and put in dyno oil. No way of knowing what they put in the car, grade, type. Make sure you see them put it in your car the oil you gave them. Just a thought...

[Harbour Rat]

Regular on time changes is the key to any happy engine!

++

[Harbour Rat]

Make sure the dealer or a regular shop use the oil you give them, if they see the oil you give them is expensive syn oil they might keep it for themselves and put in dyno oil. No way of knowing what they put in the car, grade, type. Make sure you see them put it in your car the oil you gave them. Just a thought...

Good advice, I suppose. Personally though, if I had that little trust in the people doing work on my car I would just find a shop that doesn't feel crooked.

[michaelm]

Make sure the dealer or a regular shop use the oil you give them, if they see the oil you give them is expensive syn oil they might keep it for themselves and put in dyno oil. No way of knowing what they put in the car, grade, type. Make sure you see them put it in your car the oil you gave them. Just a thought...


I agree. Take it to a shop that has a open window into the garage or one that allows their customers to check out your car while they work on it. An open garage/ open window policy shows trust, experience and confidence in the abilities of the mechanics that work there. i.e Jimmy's Street Performance.

[WLS ZMZM]

I have only ever used mobil 1 5w-20 since ive owned the car.... Also allowed me to have my engine warrantied..... no sludge in oil pan!!! However Mobil 1 soooooo much cheaper in the states!!!

[TheMAN]

Called the dealer to enquire about the Oil change. They said they use the Petron Canada semi-syn one. Whn i asked about synthetic, he mentioned that since mine is 2010, syn is not recomended..as manufacturer suggests to go with the regular stuff till broken in. He said break-in is 15000kms!!!!!

Is he talking crap?

that's BS
the motor is already run for a few hours in the factory so that mazda can state that there is no special break-in procedure necessary... while the piston rings aren't seated in all the way off the showroom, it should take only 5000km of city driving to get the motor fully broken in

also, there is no such thing as "mazda doesn't recommend synthetics"... ask him to tell you why mazda canada sells mazda branded synthetic oil... hell, even in europe mazda sells their own branded synthetic oils (rebadged Total/Elf)!

[r4BBiT]

Castrol Syntec 5w20 with K&N filter for me, since first oil change at ~5000km, no complaints

[ehsu]

Any info on the difference between Castrol Syntec vs GTX?

Is the more expensive Syntec worth it on a 2.5L over the GTX?

Thanks.

[aris]

Any info on the difference between Castrol Syntec vs GTX?

Is the more expensive Syntec worth it on a 2.5L over the GTX?

Thanks.

Syntec is synthetic oil and the GTX is conventional oil

[shu5892001]

a question for motul oil users, what grade oil do you guys use? Because I don't think motul has 5w20, do you guys use 0w20? or 5w30?

thanks

[aris]

a question for motul oil users, what grade oil do you guys use? Because I don't think motul has 5w20, do you guys use 0w20? or 5w30?

thanks

I don't use that brand oil but I run 5w30 in my car

[PearlM3]

I run 5w30, when i switched to it i called a dealership and asked them what they thought, and they said it was actually a great idea.

[wormburner]

Synthetic oil is completely unnecessary, and a WASTE of money for our Mazda 3's.

Are you using synthetic cause...

a) It's cleaner? - Well, change your oil on regular intervals and problem solved.
b) To extend the change intervals? - That's never a good idea, especially under warranty. And you're still not recouping the costs.
c)To help with cold startups in the winter? - A block heater does a much better job on those -20 nights.

My point is... SAVE YOUR MONEY my friends! Conventional oil has been working GREAT for decades in cars that make much more horsepower, get much hotter, and have much higher engine tolerances. Also, the modern additives in dino oil slow breakdown better than ever. We all want the best for our beloved 3's. In which case, just be meticulous about doing your maintenance on time. And spend that extra cash on mods!

(Speed3 owners, and those who have turbo'd, please ignore this post.)

[ShortBus]

Synthetic oil is completely unnecessary, and a WASTE of money for our Mazda 3's.

Are you using synthetic cause...

a) It's cleaner? - Well, change your oil on regular intervals and problem solved.
b) To extend the change intervals? - That's never a good idea, especially under warranty. And you're still not recouping the costs.
c)To help with cold startups in the winter? - A block heater does a much better job on those -20 nights.

My point is... SAVE YOUR MONEY my friends! Conventional oil has been working GREAT for decades in cars that make much more horsepower, get much hotter, and have much higher engine tolerances. Also, the modern additives in dino oil slow breakdown better than ever. We all want the best for our beloved 3's. In which case, just be meticulous about doing your maintenance on time. And spend that extra cash on mods!

(Speed3 owners, and those who have turbo'd, please ignore this post.)

i disagree. synthetic protects a lot better/shear resistant espcially for stop and go traffic/short trips/cold weather.
it's like buying cheap rims/tires you can choose to spend the money or not, both will get the job done but it's only what an extra $60-100 a year a small premium for better protection.

i use pp 5w-30 but will be swtiching to 0w-30 xd1/gc for both my cars.

[wormburner]

i disagree. synthetic protects a lot better

I don't fault anyone for wanting added protection for their cars.
My point is, in this case, the benefit does not come close to warranting the considerable extra cost.
Dino oil works perfectly well in all Ontario driving conditions.
In the words of ING... "Save your money!!"

[TheMAN]

I suppose that works well in cochrane in the dead of winter....

[Harbour Rat]

I use synthetic oil because I enjoy the smug sense of superiority it gives me.

[gabbygenier]

I suppose that works well in cochrane in the dead of winter....

What's wrong with cochrane in the winter. It dosent get that cold

[wormburner]

I use synthetic oil because I enjoy the smug sense of superiority it gives me.

Awesome.
I can't argue with that.

[TheMAN]

What's wrong with cochrane in the winter. It dosent get that cold

so then, cold front comes through, it's less than -30 all of the sudden and a dino oil such as castrol gtx turns into jello... so what are you going to do then?
well they got block heaters right? but what if you made a trip up there and didn't... and what if the locals there just make a quick store run? motor gets cold within 5 minutes of shutting off!

google "pour point" and try to explain how well a motor gets lubricated at -30 until it warms up to 95 (if ever)

wormburner, I also like to be enlightened how extended drain intervals is "never a good idea" with synthetic... warranty factors aside

[wormburner]

so then, cold front comes through, it's less than -30 all of the sudden and a dino oil such as castrol gtx turns into jello... so what are you going to do then?


How many days of the year is it -30 in Ontario? :loco
If the earth got hit by a meteor and half the damn planet froze over, then yes, you may have a point.
Heads up people - mechanics want you to buy synthetic so they can justify marking up what should be a 25 dollar oil change even further.

25 bucks is what my mechanic charges, using good ol' Castrol GTX.

[gabbygenier]

so then, cold front comes through, it's less than -30 all of the sudden and a dino oil such as castrol gtx turns into jello... so what are you going to do then?
well they got block heaters right? but what if you made a trip up there and didn't... and what if the locals there just make a quick store run? motor gets cold within 5 minutes of shutting off!

google "pour point" and try to explain how well a motor gets lubricated at -30 until it warms up to 95 (if ever)

umm well first of all its hardly ever that cold. regular days are around -20. i have had my car there around 6 times in the winter, no block heater and my car has always started just as good as it was summer or winter anywhere else ive driven it.

also last winter when i went there there was more snow in TO and Ottawa then there was there. and it was also warmer

[michaelm]

Synthetic oil is completely unnecessary, and a WASTE of money for our Mazda 3's.

To each their own... After running Synthetic I never went back. My engine runs A LOT quieter on synthetic. I also experienced a major fuel cost savings as I was averaging 9.2L/100km on dino. After switching I average a constant 8.3L/100km.


And spend that extra cash on mods!

Sure you could save that extra money for mods on your car, but proper lubrication and protection for the engine and those mods is important as well.

[TheMAN]

How many days of the year is it -30 in Ontario? :loco
If the earth got hit by a meteor and half the damn planet froze over, then yes, you may have a point.
Heads up people - mechanics want you to buy synthetic so they can justify marking up what should be a 25 dollar oil change even further.

25 bucks is what my mechanic charges, using good ol' Castrol GTX.

and how many days is it that's less than -20 in northern ontario? even then the oil is thick as molasses and it takes literally seconds to pump such oil up to the valvetrain

ok, but since you're so cheap (and not looking at the big picture, which is what I usually see from cheapskates) and want to talk about money, let's do basic math here.... our cars take 4.4l of oil... it's $4.47/l at wally world for castrol gtx... $8.87/l for syntec... but you CAN'T buy half a litre nor can you charge for only half a litre in most computer invoicing systems... so in this case, you will get charged for 5 quarts in the bill
price difference between syntec and gtx if you bought this strictly at walmart? $22
shops don't buy their supplies from walmart and anywhere else will be slightly more expensive in any case

so $25 more is such a rip off... riiight :loco

I'm still waiting to hear from you about how extended drain intervals is "never a good idea"

[wormburner]

ok, but since you're so cheap

It's not a matter of being cheap. It's a matter of common sense. Why spend more than you have to?
I'm not trying to offend anyone here. I'm just saying on a cost to benefit comparison, synthetic is not worth it.
If you disagree, go ahead and use whatever oil you like. I just know a lot of people looking for answers about what oil to use read these threads, and not everyone believes that synthetic is the way to go.
Change your oil on recommended intervals, and conventional oil works fine. Extend your oil change intervals and your just asking for trouble - period.
And for the cost of 2 synthetic oil changes, you can get a block heater installed.
Let us agree, to disagree.:)

[TheMAN]

saying "just asking for trouble" is just hearsay and has no scientific basis whatsoever
so far you have said nothing but negative "reasons" for not using synthetic... I have yet to see you back up your claims... this is the 3rd time I've asked you to prove to me that it's "asking for trouble" when you have said nothing but BS

even going twice the mileage as the recommended intervals on synthetic equals the cost of dino oil... and maybe even more cost effective depending on the labour rate.... your whining about $25 more for synthetic from your mechanic is indicative to me that you're just cheap, nothing shown about "common sense"
and it's been proven that synthetic oils can easily handle twice the mileage as dino oils... and there's plenty of scientific evidence to back that up

your "common sense" doesn't make any sense at all and you have yet to prove it

and there isn't anything to "agree to disagree" on... this isn't politics or philosophy where it's mostly based on theories... oil/lubrication is all scientific and it's also simple math behind it... either it's right or it's wrong... no grey areas!

post something that can substantiate what you say or stay out of this thread

[michaelm]

post something that can substantiate what you say or stay out of this thread

I agree. Also, this thread is about what kind of synthetic do you use, not a debate on dino vs. synthetic wormburner. There are tons of threads discussing the differences. Just use the search up top.

Lets stay on topic. :)

[liquidzyklon]

I use the cheap Motormaster F1 Synthetic oil. It's dirt cheap, as low as $16 per jug but usually around $22 a jug. So this pricing is close to dino oil but with some synthetic protection.

[Souls]

I use synthetic oil because I enjoy the smug sense of superiority it gives me.

x2 :chuckle

[baymoe]

Amsoil 5w20 - Received the best mileage with it thus far at 76k km at 655km per tank.
Royal Purple 5w20 - Eh, nothing special. In fact, may have burned more of this stuff than any other synthetic I've used.
Castrol 0w30 - Smoothest running engine with this stuff in it.

[TheMAN]

RP shears easily, that's why it burned for you... it's overpriced hyped-up garbage, plain and simple... boutique oils like amsoil and redline are more shear stable, but german castrol is bang for the buck

[Bohizzle]

Does anyone use Castrol Edge?

I'm currently using Syntec 5W-20, but saw edge at CT when I last went and was wondering if anyone knew about any differences. From what I remember it said it was synthetic, and better than syntec, but as I am new to this, I have no idea why.

Thanks in advance,

Andrew

[TheMAN]

it's a waste of money... the price premium over syntec doesn't add significant benefits... german castrol (syntec 0W30) blows it out the water... and it's only less than 7 bucks at walmart!

[Bohizzle]

it's a waste of money... the price premium over syntec doesn't add significant benefits... german castrol (syntec 0W30) blows it out the water... and it's only less than 7 bucks at walmart!

Gotcha, thanks for the info!

Are there any downsides to using 0W-30 as opposed to 5W-20? I realize it's a better oil and full synthetic, but are there any issues with the the weight? Would I have issues in the summer months with the 30? and is the 0 too thin?

Sorry for all the questions.

[TheMAN]

no

[Bohizzle]

no

Alright then lol, thanks.

[azn_outlaw]

Ever since day 1

Regular Castrol GTX 5W30 + Wix Cartridge filter (05 Mazda3)

100,XXX km later, still running smooth

[Logikz]

Royal Purple ftw

[shu5892001]

will be using amsoil ASL 5w30 + Wix filter with 6 month oil change intervals from now on

[Addison]

Royal Purple 5W20 - Speed3

I use it because of the pretty bottle.
And that I work for NAPA and have mand hookups. ;)